You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!!!

Last week I traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for business. It was super cold and windy when my business colleagues and I arrived, making the idea of venturing outside of the hotel for dinner a non-starter. Luckily, The Colcord Hotel had a restaurant attached, Flint, which made our dinner decision easy.

Dinner was great, but the piece-de-resistance was my St. Germain Champagne Cocktail. It really was wondeful. So much so, that I called the restaurant for the recipe when I returned home, knowing that it would be my next featured drink on Champagne Sunday. Peep the mixology.

St. Germain Champagne Cocktail

StG

Ingredients.

  • 1/4 oz. St. Germain
  • 1/4 oz. lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
  • Top with your favorite champagne

I hope that you enjoy it as much as I. Chin, chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

The Must Haves: The David Yurman 30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Renaissance Bracelet

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\n

1. an essential possession: the David Yurman 30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Renaissance Bracelet is a must-have for your fine jewelry collection

adj

2. essential: a must-have piece of arm candy

David Yurman is synonymous with classic style when it comes to jewelry; but for the 30th Anniversary of his line, he added a unexpected twist to his Classic Cable Bracelet – COLOR! The Limited-Edition Aluminum Renaissance Bracelet is available in Hunter Green, Amber, Gray, Champagne and Rose. Aren’t they gorgeous!

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I love the idea of remaining true to the Classic Cable style, but creating an instant signature look by adding color. This is truly arm candy; and the Hunter Green is calling my name!

 Happy Anniversary Mr. Yurman!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

50 Shades of Red … Volume V.

Dolls, did you think I forgot? I didn’t! Business and personal travel has left little time for blogging; but never fear, I remain committed to 50 Shades of Red.

Volume IV. found me in Sephora with a tube of Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale in hand. Simply put, J’adore! On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this 5 red lips! red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

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As I shared, I’m not a gloss girl, but I love everything about Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. It’s super moist, without being sticky. I didn’t have to reapply very often, and the gold flecks are to die for – just the right amount to be appropriate for the office, while able to take you into an evening soiree. This little number is a top contender for my fav red lipstick.

What’s next? ZuZu Luxe Vino de Amor Lipstick. I love that name, don’t you?! Anywho, on a recent trip to Whole Foods Market I made my way to the makeup and skin care section for some playtime. I couldn’t resist leaving without a new tube of red lipstick and selected Vino de Amor. They had me at the name.

VinoDeAmor

 

ZuZu Luxe is part of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., and is Gluten-Free and Vegan  – pretty with purpose. I love it. I’ll let you know in the next edition of 50 Shades of Red how this rates.

Until Then,

L.

Red Lipstick Chick

The Must-Haves: The “eyePad!”

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\n

1. an essential possession: the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry Set is the must-have for every Pretty Domestic Doll

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2. essential: a must-have for your makeup kit

Ok Dolls, a little something about me. I’m always in search of a product, some type of makeup, and/or fragrance. Not necessarily what’s on trend, but what I like. Last month I decided that I needed a new eye shadow palette. I searched online and ventured to my normal beauty haunts, but to no avail. I gravitate to neutrals, but wanted to try something a little different. However, I’m “une femme d’un certain age,” and can’t walk around looking like The Joker.

Some free time on Thursday evening led me into Sephora and as soon as I entered, “ta-da,” my new eye shadow palette – +PANTONE UNIVERSE The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry Set!

As you know, Radiant Orchid is the Pantone Color of the Year 2014, and is simply one word, pretty.

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In addition to Radiant Orchid being centered prominently on the palette, there are 24 other beautifully rich colors that will match your mood or #ootd you are rocking.

sephora radiant orchid

But, the genius of this set, the case! It’s slim and light and resembles the iPad Air. Of course the case color is Radiant Orchid. I’ve coined it, “The eyePad!” You can easily slide the case in your tote without adding bulk, and voila, have makeup will travel.

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I am on travel next week for business and pleasure, and so look forward to having all my eye shadows with me in one stylish case.

Sephora and Pantone created sevaral other items in the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Collection SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE The Face: Radiant Femme Artistry Set, SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Gaze Brush Set, SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Nail Ambrosia Trio, and SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Radiant Rush Matte Lipstick.

Described as “petal soft or vividly intense, this limited edition collection provides a modern feminine jolt for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails.” You need this in your life for your radiantly beautiful self this spring.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Image via Swept Crazy

The set

More Clean Eating – Cauliflower & Lentil Taco Wrap

We’re continuing our quest to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but I admit it’s some times challenging to find new recipes to try. I was recently introduced to Food Babe – if you are not familiar, check her out – and came across this recipe for a Cauliflower & Lentil Taco Wrap. Doesn’t sound appetizing? It’s beyond delicious! I made it yesterday and we’ve been snacking on it ever since. As a matter of fact, it replaced what we were planning for dinner. Let me know what you think. Bon Appetite!

Cauliflower and Lentil Taco Wrap

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Ingredients
  • 1 cup sprouted lentils
  • 1 head cauliflower, cored and broken into small bite size florets
  • 1 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • ½ cup of your favorite tomato sauce or tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 large head of romaine
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 1 avocado cut in slices
  • sour cream (optional)
Instructions
  1. For the taco filling: Rinse the lentils and drain well.
  2. Combine the lentils and 3 cups water in a small saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes (or 5 mins if you are using sprouted).
  4. Drain off excess water and set the lentils aside.
  5. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor or chop by hand with a knife until reduced to pieces the size of rice grains.
  6. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  7. Add the onions and jalapenos and cook until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
  8. Add the cauliflower, garlic, 2 teaspoons of the chili powder, 1 teaspoon of the cumin and cook for 4 minutes.
  9. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook until the cauliflower is tender, another 3 minutes.
  10. Add the cooked lentils to the cauliflower mixture. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin. Stir in the salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes more to blend the flavors.
  11. Combine with chopped cilantro and place mixture over romaine leaves
  12. Top with fresh lime juice, avocado and/or sour cream.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: Mommy’s Magic Kit

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\
n

1. an essential possession: the Mommy’s Magic Kit is a must-have for the stylish Mommy set

adj

2. essential: a must-have Mommy-on-the-Go accessory

Every once in a while I run into something that is just too good not to share – a must-have. This one is for the Mommies and Mommies-to-Be. It’s called the Mommy’s Magic Kit by Bella Tunno.

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The Mommy’s Kit is a stylishly cute clutch for Mommies-on the-Go. Perfect for Spring, the Kit comes in green, orange, teal and pink; and contains 12 “in a pinch” products – everything from disposable bibs to babytime Sunny Sunscreen, to crayons. I can also see using the clutch as a wallet or cosmetic case.

Bella Tunno is also a good corporate citizen. A portion of every purchase is donated to the Matt Tunno MAKE A DIFFERENCE MEMORIAL FUND, established in memory of Matt Tunno, the late brother of Bella Tunno founder, Michelle.

“In his absence, we try to meet his goals and make his dreams a reality. By donating to drug and alcohol abuse education, prevention and rehabilitation programs, our goal is to help others live the life Matt would have wanted. Additionally, Bella Tunno donates to programs supporting at-risk children and teenagers.”

I love the idea of a swanky shower gift that gives twice!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey Dolls! Happy Sunday! Today’s Champagne Sunday is not the usual champagne cocktail recipe. I ran across these goodies in a magazine and thought they were too cute (in a kitschy kind of way) not to post. They’re Stack Wines. What are Stack Wines you ask? Well, they’re stackable, single servings of California wines. Each sleeve contains four, 187ml “stackables,” equivalent to a 750ml bottle of wine.  Apparently, you unzip the sleeve, unsnap the glasses, peel back the foil and sip.

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Now quite frankly, I am skeptical of the quality of a wine that comes in a zip sleeve with an aluminum lid, but I imagine these little numbers would be quite convenient for locations where glass containers are not allowed ~ the beach, an outdoor concert, and some tailgate party locations.

Stack Wines has also received a great deal of press ~ Food Network and Real Simple Magazines, Cosmo (I wonder would HGB dare try Stack), InTouch, OK!, The LA Times and the New York Times.

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Images: Stack Wines

I’m sure the reviews are mixed. I still love the aesthetic of a beautiful bottle of wine on the bar, and consider myself a wine snob; but I am willing to give Stack a try. Would you?

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

It’s Champagne Sunday, and I’m sure you are not surprised that today’s champagne cocktail is a nod to the 86th Annual Academy Awards. I love the actual ceremony, but am more excited for the E! Live from the Red Carpet arrivals. While you are eyeing the gowns and jewels, why not sip on a “Starlet.” Could there be a more apropos name?!

The Starlet

The Starlet

Image: thehamptons.com

  • 50 oz. Remy Martin VSOP
  • .50 oz. Cointreau
  • 1 Sugar Cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Top with chilled hhampagne

Directions. Build all ingredients in a chilled champagne flute.  Garnish with a long lemon twist.

Chin Chin!

I’ll be back tomorrow with my “Red Carpet Wrap.”

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 4

I know Dolls, I know. I’m four days late; but trust me, as promised, I’ve transitioned to a new shade of red for Vol. 4 of 50 Shades of Red.

To recap, last month I went for a “dark days of winter” look by rocking MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil.

vol-3

I tried to like it, I really did; but it was very severe. In the tube, it was a beautifully rich, deep burgundy, but it played really harsh on me; needed frequent reapplication, and the liner was a bit too dark. It could also be that I changed by hair style at the beginning of the year. It’s my feeling that this shade should be reserved for a sleek more polished look. I’ve been wearing natural curls. On the other hand, my husband loved it. Hmmm … Anywho, moving on.

It’s a new month and a new red. I’m not a gloss girl, but until March 17th I’ll be sporting Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. I picked up this little number one day for $7.00 as I was passing through. It’s super glossy, with a subtle hint of gold sparkle. We’ll see what the next month brings.

Sephora2

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic ~ #redlipstickchick

 

Healthy Start, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Hey Dolls! Coming off of a Valentine’s weekend of decadent food and plenty of champagne, I need to recommit to eating healthy and exercise this week. I really fell of the wagon! I have my exercise routine mapped out, now what will I eat this week. I have never been a person who eats breakfast, but have come to believe that feeding your body with nourishment in the morning is great way to jumpstart your day. Then there is always the notion of having enough time, or making enough time to eat in morning. But as my Mom says, “you make time for what you want to make time for;” and she is correct. That said, I am going to make time to eat breakfast.

I am not a person who is going to cook in the morning, but we purchased a new blender, and I can definitely make a breakfast smoothie. I came across the recipes below and am going to try a couple. I hope to adopt the habit of drinking a breakfast smoothie daily; one because it’s good for me, and two because veggies and fruits provide the nourishment my mind and body need for me to be the best me everyday.

juices744

Image: Gloverstreet Market

Watermelon Mist Juice

  • 4 to 5 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup cucumber, trimmed and cut into chunks
  • 3/5 cups fresh squeezed orange juice or store-bought
  • 2 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Fresh mint leaves optional
  • 1 Tbsp. Agave Nectar

Go Green Juice

  • 1 green apple diced
  • 4 celery ribs chopped
  • 1 handful of baby spinach
  • 1 piece of Ginger Root
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • 1 stalk of brocoli (stem and florets, optional)
  • Tbsp. Agave Nectar
  • Tsp. Flaxseed Powder
  • Tsp. Hempseed Powder

Cool Cucumber Pear Juice

  • 1 large pear or pear juice
  • 1/2 cup honeydew melon
  • 1 Granny Smith Apple
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • juice of 1 lime
  • Mint
  • 1 Tbsp. Agave Nectar

Feeling a Little Tropical Smoothie

  • 1 cup chilled orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lemon sorbet
  • 1/2 cup chopped bananas
  • 4 strawberries
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup mango chunks
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
  • 2 tsp. Agave Nectar
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice

There you have it! I am going try incorporating a couple of these recipes into my breakfast routine over the next several weeks. Leave a comment and share any recipes you may have! Here’s to a healthy start, healthy mind, and healthy body!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic